Santa impersonator arrested in shooting of 2 men

Detroit — Santa Claus is coming to court.

A 26-year-old man dressed in a Santa suit was arrested early Sunday and faces charges after he allegedly shot two men outside a downtown Detroit gas station.

"Apparently, there was an argument over Santa's girlfriend — Mrs. Claus," Detroit Police Officer Adam Madera said of the 2 a.m. incident that started in the Speedway gas station at Jefferson and I-375.

"One of the victims ran back to his car, and the guy dressed as Santa Claus must've thought he was going to get a gun because he started shooting."

One victim was shot in the chest; the other in the hand. Both victims, 29, are expected to recover from their injuries, Madera said.

Two off-duty Detroit police officers were nearby and chased the man in the Santa suit on foot for several blocks, to St. Andrew's Hall at Brush and Congress.

The officers pointed out the suspect to a uniformed Detroit police officer who working the downtown club patrol and Santa was arrested without further incident, Madera said.

ghunter@detroitnews.com